Category: Media

All media that includes Op/ed Commentaries, TRI in the News and Press Releases written that will be archived indefinitely

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advocacy updates events events list Media

Applying for Social Security Disability Programs

Monthly
Workshops

In-Person Workshop Dates: – October. 29th at 10:30 AM

Virtual Workshop Dates: –  October. CANCELED

You must attend a workshop before scheduling a one-on-one appointment with our Benefits Counselor. These workshops provide a basic understanding of the application process and will equip you with the knowledge and essential skills to be confident and apply independently.

All community members are welcome to attend the virtual workshop.

When attending in-person workshops, we still encourage wearing proper facemasks, but it’s not required. If you are feeling sick, please do not attend and reschedule with the benefits counselor.

Accommodations (ASL, presentation shared in large print, etc.) Please request any accommodations at least two weeks in advance so we can prepare the materials for you.

To register for our in-person workshop, please complete a HIPAA registration form. CLICK HERE to RSVP. You may call the front desk if you need assistance. There will be no walk-ins. In case of workshop cancellation, we will call or email you.

When you call, please tell us if you are attending as a…

  • Applying for yourself, and let us know if you require accommodations—example: Large print, American Sign Language interpreter.
  • Friend or family member, and if you are attending with the individual.
  • Human Services Professional, and if your client is attending with you.

If there are any changes to the workshop, including cancellation, we will contact you via email or phone. If you can’t attend a workshop you’ve signed up for, please let us know in advance by calling the front desk at 845-452-3913.

Click on the image below for the printable flyer

Printable October flyer- empower yourself with confidence - how to apply for ssi and ssdi

Mandi Sheraden, IL Program & Operations Director
M.Sheraden@taconicresources.org

Categories
Media Op/Ed Commentaries

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. Condemns Trump Blaming Disability Hiring Initiatives for Fatal Crash

During a Jan. 30 press briefing on the fatal collision of a passenger plane and a military helicopter killing all 67 people involved, President Trump blamed the crash on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hiring policies increasing employment for people with disabilities. This is unacceptable conduct on every single level, from undermining the capabilities people with disabilities have, to the grieving families wanting to hear concrete answers. The comments made by the chief citizen of the U.S. underscore how difficult our work will be over the next several years to protect, preserve, and strengthen disability rights.
According to a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Labor just over 21% of people with disabilities are employed, to just over 65% of non-disabled people having a job. The Trump comments will only decrease disability employment if we collectively are not calling out this hateful, inaccurate, and unacceptable conduct.
We will continue supporting federal advocacy efforts with our national partners and coordinating statewide advocacy opportunities protecting and strengthening disability rights.

Categories
advocacy updates events events list Media

Family Empowerment Advocacy Series

“I WISH I HAD KNOWN THIS SOONER”

Understanding Your Child’s Rights & Responsibilities Under Special Education Law

CLICK HERE for a *printable copy of the flyer

Parents and family members, join us for this FREE in-depth training to learn about your child’s rights, the special education process, and how to effectively advocate for your child and other children. Topics include: Educational Records Binder, Advocacy & Effective Communication, Levels of Intervention & the Continuum of Services, NYS Rules & Regulations, All About the IEP, Understanding Evaluations, Services & Accommodations, Assistive Technology, Transition, Come Ask the Advocate Q&A session and much, much more.

Zoom Training (Wednesdays)
January 8th, 2025
January 15th, 2025
January 22nd, 2025
January 29th, 2025
February 5th, 2025
February 12th, 2025
You may register for morning, evening, or both
Morning: 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Evening: 6:00PM – 9:00PM

For questions, contact dgreen@putnamils.org or frattray@putnamils.org

Guest Speakers:
Renee Falanga-Brenner, Resource Center for Assisted Living
Jennifer O’Neill, Taconic Resources for Independence
Patricia Lucio-Penn, Taconic Resources for Independence
Diane Troeller, My Independent Living
Melinda Dolezal, TRAID Center
Adrienne Arkontaky, Esq., The Arkontaky Law Group
Sandi Rosenbaum, Littman Krooks LLP
Gideon Porter, Esq., Barger & Gaines LLP
Speakers & Facilitators from WILC/PILS:
Denise Green, Parent Training Information Coordinator
Fiona Rattray, Parent Training & Information Specialist

Categories
Media Uncategorized

TRI on Radio Kingston!

Patricia Lucio-Penn, Bilingual Spanish Special Education Advocate with Taconic Resources for Independence (TRI), was pleased to be asked to speak with Mariel Fiori of Radio Kingston and La Voz on the last segment of their Day of Education and Family on 11/13/24 https://radiokingston.org/en/broadcast/la-voz-con-mariel-fiori/episodes/our-solution-to-alcoholism

“We discussed resources and stressed the importance of families advocating for their children’s educational rights to free and appropriate public education programs and how to share parents’ concerns with the school personnel and school districts. Hispanic communities sometimes tend to not question teachers or school officials and wait for them to tell families when and what needs to be done if issues or problems arise. I provided resources available through TRI and RCAL and stressed the importance of not waiting. If parents have concerns that are impacting their child’s learning and these have been communicated to the child’s teacher and there is no progress, move to the next steps and start the process of requesting evaluations and additional support, including if needed seeking Special Education advocacy support.”

Patricia was invited back to Radio Kingston to speak with Mariel Fiori and will visit in person on 12/17/24 at 10:14 a.m. Discussions will include information on the new Parent Empowerment Program and Support Group, which is part of our Special Education Advocacy Program at Taconic Resources for Independence Inc.

Categories
Featured Posts Media

Join Us on Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday Season we come together to support a powerful cause right here in your community of Poughkeepsie – empowering people with disabilities to live fully, independently and with dignity.

People with disabilities need you now more than ever!

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc. continues to improve the lives of people with disabilities living in Dutchess County with your generous support. As we launch our appeal on this Giving Tuesday/week, we are requesting help to provide the critical housing, employment, mental health, educational and legal services that people with disabilities so desperately need. 

With your support we will:

  • Work to make sure older adults and persons with disabilities receive the support they need to live with dignity and choice in the community.
  • Work to address the unique needs of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
  • Host online workshops for parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate virtual classrooms.
  • Continue our efforts to address the unique barriers that multiply marginalized people with disabilities face during the pandemic and beyond. 

Every contribution to Taconic Resources for Independence Inc., big or small, creates a lasting impact to help us create a community where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to thrive. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive, future!  Thank you for your support!  

To donate Click Here or mail a check to:

Taconic Resources for Independence, Inc.

82 Washington Street, Suite 214

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601